The Original Man Purse

Back in the day, great lords were buried in ships and sent off to sea. Filled with luxuries, these burials have provided insight into the art of the "Warrior Kings." The nomadic people of ancient Northern Europe did not create huge statues or colossal monuments. Their art was limited to what they could carry with them. In 1939, a burial ship filled with treasures was uncovered in a burial mound at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, England. Though the ship was not put out to sea, it exemplifies the tradition of the time. Filled with gold and silver goods, the burial was clearly that of a king. One of the many treasures from the ship is a decorated purse cover. The design and cloisonné technique are characteristic of the time period. Cloisonné jewelry and decoration are produced by small metal strips being soldered, and by filling the compartments with semiprecious stones, colored glass, or other materials that resemble brilliant gems. The Sutton Hoo purse cover there are a variety of designs. The bottom row has 4 groups in a symmetrically organized row. The outer image is that of a man flanked by two beasts - a powerful image of the time. The inner image is an eagle overarching a duck. They are cleverly composed together to create a unified figure. The figures are stylized, rather than realistic. Above the row of 4 are three geometric designs. The outer two are linear lines creating a unique pattern with contrasting colors. The inner design is something that is echoed throughout the time period - interlacing metalwork with animal figures. This design is a precursor of similar designs that would be seen in early medieval art of western Europe.

The overall composition looks like a purse cover that I desire. Gold and jewels on a purse? Obviously, I'm envious. The gold strips that outline the figures contrast beautifully with the garnet, colored glass, and the white background. Although the original color of the background is a topic of much discussion, it is ultimately unknown.

Without a doubt, this purse cover was surely the most stylish man purse of its time.

The Harding Art Show

After eight years of school at Harding Academy, we all knew when it was time for the annual art show. While moms bustled trying to prepare the arts building for the annual show, my classmates and I still had to go to classes. Sculptures appeared outside on our walk to science, and we were told to avoid the arts building if at all possible. My experience with the Harding Art Show developed with my time at Harding. When I was younger, I searched the booths for paintings with bright colors and flowers. But as I matured, I no longer looked for these things. My friends and I would talk to the artists - many stay at their booths - and learned about how they produced their art. Each year, I would find some piece and beg my parents to buy it for me. Most of the time I was unsuccessful, but the art show first sparked my appreciation for art.

The 36th Harding Academy Art Show will be held in May of 2011. The show goes from Thursday, May 5 through Saturday, May 7. Last year, seventy artists from the Southeast were featured. The 2011 Featured Artist is Charlotte Terrell. The art show serves a main fundraiser for the Parent's Auxiliary of Harding Academy. Throughout its history, it has become a Nashville tradition and an example for other schools.


(Image: Charlotte Terrell, Featured Piece for 2011)